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Toys & Gifts For 3-Year-Olds: The Tot Gift Guide

Let’s be honest, most three-year-olds aka “threenagers” aren’t afraid to tell you what they want, but just in case you’re at a loss we’ve put together a gift guide with the latest toys and gear you need to know about.

Summer Land Author + Writer

At the magical age of three, little minds and bodies are moving at full speed. Whether they’re into arts and crafts, reading book after book or spending the entire afternoon playing make-believe, a preschooler’s imagination is now running wild.

Let’s take a look at the little one’s stage of development and the best gift ideas to match it.

Child development at 3 years old

With speech development gaining momentum around this time, educational toys that promote vocabulary like books, flash cards and colorful blocks can be invaluable.

Role play is quite common at this age as well. Toys like play kitchens and cash registers can help kids expand their vocabulary, practice manners, and introduce them to different cultures. Remember playing “shop” as a kid? We do too. This pretend play was beyond fun and taught us the difference between fruits, veggies, canned goods, ice cream and of course – money!

Since partaking in play that uses gross motor skills is crucial for cognitive and physical development, items like pedal cars, balance bikes and climbing gyms also make great gifts. For kids to grow, they need to run, climb, jump, bounce, wiggle and wobble. Try gifting things like tricycles, scooters or trampolines.

Self-expression can really begin to shine at this age. Providing simple items like a teepee or cubby house can create a canvas or safe place for a child to make their own. It’s a space that they can go to rest, partake in creative play or reflect on what they’ve absorbed that day. At three, the world is a child’s oyster so the best thing to do is give them items that help them feel included and empowered.

Best toys and gifts for 3-year-olds

Whether you’re shopping for a Christmas gift or a birthday present idea for a 3-year-old, here are our recommendations for the best gifts for playtime:

Blocks
Workbench and pretend tools
Fruit Stand
Toy Food
Swing
Play kitchen
Scooter
Golf Set
Balance board
Role play toys
Non-toxic play dough
Doll & crib
Transportation toys
Small world plush toys
Musical instruments
Educational toys
Building kits
Balance bike
Play tent
Book
Doll House
Non-toxic sidewalk chalk
The Tot Stocking Stuffer Gift Sets

Scroll down to see the high-quality products we’ve pulled for each of these gift ideas and shop below. Whether you’re shopping for a 3-year-old boy or girl, you’re sure to find the perfect toy for them!